The dominant theme that comes through the oracles of Hosea is God’s perseverance with his people. Israel (referred to here as ‘Ephraim’ because this was the largest tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel) had gained unstoppable momentum in their idolatry. Despite this, God would simply not give up on them. It is remarkable. In these turbulent times, as Assyria loomed as a constant threat over the realm, Israel was running this way and that selling herself to whomever would provide security for her. She ran everywhere, except to God that is, and God was grieved. He called out to Israel to come to him, but Israel stubbornly refused. Eventually, God warned, he would have to give her over to her waywardness, but until that moment he would continue to call out to her to come back to him. This is the heart of God. He will not give up on us. Others may give up on you, and you may give up on yourself, but God will not give up on you while you still have breath to cry out to him. He isn’t looking for much from you. You don’t have to ‘make it up to him’. You only have to return, and he will receive you with joy. This is the message of Hosea. Yes, God gets angry because he is a jealous God. His ultimate desire, however, is not to cast off but to reconcile. If God gets angry it is only because his love has been betrayed and rejected. You are greatly loved by God. He seeks you and longs for you to reach out to him now.
Reach out to God.
Read Hosea 6 and 7
